The Bluffton Icon will feature information on the four candidates running for three seats on the Bluffton School Board of Education in the November 2 General Election: Bradley J. Dailey, Mitch Giesige, Roni L. Kaufman and Wesley L. Klinger. The information is provided by the League of Women Voters of the Lima Area. You can also view the complete PDF report for Allen County.

BLUFFTON SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION Term Commences 01/01/2022

Vote for no more than 3 

Responsibilities: School Board Members set educational goals and establish policy for the system based upon state laws and community values. Their most important function is to employ a superintendent and treasurer and hold them responsible for managing the school in accordance with the school board’s policies.

Term: 4 years Salary: $100/meeting (Maximum of $1,200)

Roni L. Kaufman 

Current Occupation: Executive Director for the Lima Area Health Education Center 

Education: -K-12: Bluffton Exempted Village Schools -Bachelors Degree: The Ohio State University-Lima -Masters Degree (Education): University of Findlay 

Q: What is the single most important issue facing your school district and how would you address this issue?

A: The number one issue facing the district right now, like most districts, is how to manage pandemic-related concerns, with an emphasis on keeping students and staff safe but also recognizing the importance of in-person instruction for our children. Our students cannot afford another year of at-home or hybrid learning and still be expected to meet the necessary performance and testing benchmarks. It is also important for us to respect the religious and medical freedom of the families in our district. As a member of the school board during this period of uncertainty, I will advocate for the adoption of a formal pandemic plan, created with significant public input, with specific objectives that must be met before any future restrictions would be placed on students or staff. 

Q: What specific strengths would you bring to the board table?

A: As a member of your school board, I bring a number of strengths to the table. First, I am an alumnus of Bluffton Schools, I hold a Masters Degree in Education, and the daughter of a former teacher and a former coach in our school system. Second, as a woman and the mother of three current students in the district, I bring a different viewpoint than the current all-male school board and allmale administration. This is not a criticism of the current leaders, but I do believe that diversity of opinion is crucial to making sure all options are explored when making decisions that affect our children and that our leaders do not fall victim to the groupthink of a few. Finally, those of you who know me, know that I am open and honest to the point of being outspoken. It is critical for good public policy that it be debated in an open forum with input from all. 

Q: What is your position on Ohio HB322 and HB327, as proposed by the Ohio House, which if passed, will have an impact on K-12 as well as higher educational institutions?

A: I cannot give a complete opinion on HB 322 and 327 because much is still unknown as to what the bill actually prohibits. The bills, in their current form, restrict how districts and their teachers can discuss topics labeled as “divisive”, without actually defining the specific subjects nor the depth of those subjects to be restricted. In general, my attitude towards education policy is that local teachers, in consult with local administrators, following the guidance of local school boards elected and accountable to local residents, should make decisions on what is to be taught to our children. To that end, as a member of your school board I will fight to retain local control over our curriculum and finances and fight against unfunded mandates and policy shifts made at the whim of big-city politicians in Columbus that do not match the values of Bluffton and its residents.

Additional information on the November 2 Bluffton ballot will be posted on the Bluffton Icon. See pages 4 and 7 of the LWV Voter Guide for Bluffton council and school board candidates.